living abroad is not a decision to be taken lightly. I have in the past, so am familiar with the necessity of an American being able to accommodate to another culture, and enjoy the accommodation!
Any suggestions?

As US citizens, we're actively exploring an option open to persons who have sufficient passive income to reside in France without being employed there and without becoming a burden on the state. The passive income requirement is modest (approx. $1,800/month per person). Social Security, pension, reliable income from investments, etc. qualify. Health insurance and a documented place to reside in France (which can be as simple as an Airbnb, as long you can receive mail there) are also required. The visa is called a VLS-TS (visa de long séjour valant titre de séjour). I believe that Italy has something comparable.

This visa is renewable and can lead to permanent residency status, if desired. Happily, the residency requirement of facility in French language was recently eliminated for persons over the age of 65--although we have a modest (A1) facility and intend to take classes, regardless.

We'll be leaving in late April to spend 3 weeks in Nice and 2 weeks in Paris to explore our options. Should the current US Executive decide to ignore judicial rulings or should the judicial branch crumple under pressure and cede its core Constitutional authority between now and then, our decision will become much less complicated for us, albeit far more sad.

longtermrentalsinfrance.com - Income requirements for french residency

france-visas.gouv.fr - Your arrival in france